The New York Thoroughbred Breeders honored the state-bred divisional champions of 2009, as voted by the New York turf writers, at its annual awards banquet on April 12.

The NYTB also presented a special award to the turf writers’ choice for Horse of the Decade, which went to 2003 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner Funny Cide. Multiple winners were Haynesfield (Horse of the Year, champion 3-year-old male); Banrock (4-year-old and up male, turf male), and Canadian Ballet (4-year-old and up female, female sprinter, and turf female).

Also honored were the 2009 Steeplechase champion, New York-breds with significant international achievements in 2009, Breeder of the Year, Broodmare of the Year, and trainer and jockey of the year.

The ceremony took place at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Tom Durkin, track announcer for the New York Racing Association, served as master of ceremonies.